Christwil Villanueva braces for first internationally sanctioned race

CEBU, Philippines — Multi-titled Cebuano rider Christwil “Bogart” Villanueva is set to compete in an internationally sanctioned race for the first time in his career.

Under the banner of Yamaha Racing Team Philippines, Villanueva braces for an exciting action in Round 2 of the Yamaha R3 Blu Cru Asia-Pacific Championship 2022 on June 27-28 at the Sportsland Sugo, one of Japan’s most iconic and technically demanding circuits located in Miyagi.

Afterwhich, Villanueva take part in Round 3 of the six-leg series on July 5-6 at the Mobility Resort Motegi in Tochigi, Japan.

The regional racing series is designed to identify and nurture young riders from the Asia-Pacific region, giving them a platform to potentially compete in the FIM World Cup and even higher levels of motorcycle racing in the future.

“I’m very excited, blessed and honored that I’m selected by Yamaha Racing Team Philippines to represent our country in the Blu Cru R3 Cup Asia Pacific Championship in Japan next month,” said Villanueva, who was recently honored at the 39th Sportswriters Association of Cebu-San Miguel Beer (SAC-SMB) Cebu Sports Awards for his stirring exploits in the racing scene.

“I will do my best to compete. Hopefully I can make it to the podium and finish the race without accident with God’s guidance and protection. Thank you to my parents and to my coach Joey Storm Rivero for all the support,” added the 18-year-old pride of Talisay City.

Villanueva will don Phl’s tri-colors in the Land of the Rising Sun together with Moses Reyes, Mytchell Ngo and Zain Doblada. Standing in their way are 19 other promising riders from host Japan, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, China, and Vietnam as they vie for supremacy on one of Japan’s most challenging racetracks. — (FREEMAN)